Chiketkd Posted February 22, 2005 Share Posted February 22, 2005 I'm a new member on this forum and in a separate thread the subject of my SVX arose. Figured I'd start an all new thread in the Other Cars section to talk about my current project car.... I picked up my Brilliant Red awd '96 SVX L last April from a dealer in south-west VA for $6K and wasted no time in starting the mods. There's very little aftermarket support for this car (unlike my previous '00 SVT LIghtning and '90 300ZX TT) so I really had to talk to some knowledgeable SVX gurus for advice on mods. That's where my friend Tom (Svxfiles) came in (he owns 6 SVXs at last count) and my first mod was to change out the tall 3.545 stock gearing for shorter 4.11 gears from a '96 Impreza Outback Sport along with a matching 4.11 limited-slip rear diff from a Legacy. Everything was a simple plug-n-play with the SVX TCU and the shorter gears mathematically provides 16% more torque to the wheels in each gear. This 4EAT upgrade coupled with a simple K&N panel filter netted a 15.327 @ 89.54 1/4 mile time in 58* weather last October. (My opponent was my friend Andrew in a stock geared awd '92 SVX with a K&N, under-drive pulley and Flowmaster muffler - the improvement from the 4.11 gears really stands out) http://www.subaru-svx.net/photos/files/Chiketkd/21789.jpg I then dyno'd my car on the awd dynoject at Altered Atmosphere in Gaitherburg MD and got 165.1hp & 173.4 ft-lbs: http://www.subaru-svx.net/photos/files/Chiketkd/23161.jpg From here, I've been working feverishly over the Winter to try and put together the first all-motor awd SVX with a 4EAT to run 14's in the 1/4 mile (only 5/6MT conversions and one light-weight fwd 4EAT SVX have accomplished this feat thus far). With my friend's Tom's help, we've installed a Magnaflow exhaust system, phenolic spacers for the intake manifold (from Outlaw Engineering) and polyurethane sway bar bushings. I've also acquired a set of light-weight '93-'95 RX-7 rims (16lbs per wheel), installed some slotted RaceConcepts rotors F&R and switched out my K&N for an STI panel filter. These mods coupled with some sensible weight reduction (car weighed ~3500lbs with a 1/3 tank of gas when I got it - now closer to 3375lbs after Winter mods) should hopefully net me an upper 14 timeslip @ 91-92mph in the Spring (while keeping a full interior on my car). http://www.subaru-svx.net/photos/files/Chiketkd/23722.jpg http://www.subaru-svx.net/photos/files/Chiketkd/23781.jpg http://www.subaru-svx.net/photos/files/Chiketkd/23783.jpg -CD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OCDetails Posted February 22, 2005 Share Posted February 22, 2005 Very cool. My mom used to have an SVX. She sold it to get her WRX. I remember once we had a blow out at 90 MPH and didn't even feel it. She got pulled over for speeding and the cop asked if she was aware that her tire was shreded. Very nice handling car. Those are some great mods you've got there. I'll bet that thing is fun to drive. _________________________________________ “Cleanliness becomes more important as godliness becomes more unlikely.” O C D E T A I L S . C O M OCDETAILS BLOG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chiketkd Posted February 22, 2005 Author Share Posted February 22, 2005 For those wondering about the specs on a stock SVX. Engine output from the 3.3L EG33 engine is 230hp & 228 ft-lbs. However, as the only factory transmission was the 4EAT, this coupled with the awd system and tall stock gearing doesn't make it the greatest drag racer (i.e lots of parasitic loss in the drivetrain). Here's a clip of my buddy's '94 fwd SVX after getting some exhaust work done: http://www.citationmmp.com/gallery5.html -CD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chiketkd Posted February 22, 2005 Author Share Posted February 22, 2005 Very cool. My mom used to have an SVX. She sold it to get her WRX. I remember once we had a blow out at 90 MPH and didn't even feel it. She got pulled over for speeding and the cop asked if she was aware that her tire was shreded. Very nice handling car. Those are some great mods you've got there. I'll bet that thing is fun to drive. Thanks! She's a real blast to drive - especially on twisty roads - and unlike my previous project cars, I don't have to park this one in the Winter! Can't wait to move onto a 5MT 2.5 LGT though. I'm just itching for a turbo again. May not happen for several more months as my wife and I want to buy our first house this summer... -CD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cliss Posted February 22, 2005 Share Posted February 22, 2005 unlike my previous '00 SVT LIghtning and '90 300ZX TT Clearly you have good taste in cars. -Casey from Charlottesville 1991 300ZX NA 2005 Legacy GT Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chiketkd Posted February 22, 2005 Author Share Posted February 22, 2005 A pic of my engine bay taken last weekend: http://www.subaru-svx.net/photos/files/Chiketkd/24826.jpg ...and of my rear-end after installing the Magnaflow system (winter tires on stock wheels are on car): http://www.subaru-svx.net/photos/files/Chiketkd/24522.jpg -CD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chiketkd Posted February 22, 2005 Author Share Posted February 22, 2005 Clearly you have good taste in cars. -Casey from Charlottesville 1991 300ZX NA 2005 Legacy GT Thanks! Cool to see there's someone else here in C'ville on the board! -CD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Code 3 GT Posted February 22, 2005 Share Posted February 22, 2005 Here's a clip of my buddy's '94 fwd SVX after getting some exhaust work done: http://www.citationmmp.com/gallery5.html -CD okay I'm confused, I thought they were AWD, but that burnout is spinning the fron tires only. were some built FWD? and is that what that is? Or was the differential that different back then that the front tires would only spin? sorry, I'm too ignorant when it comes to older subaru's Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SBT Posted February 22, 2005 Share Posted February 22, 2005 SVXs were available from 92-95 in either FWD or AWD - with only the upscale LSi getting the AWD during those model years. From 96 on, all Subarus in the USDM were AWD including the SVX. So that front wheel burnout is from CD's friend's 94 FWD SVX. SBT - Pro amore Dei et patriam et populum - Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chiketkd Posted February 22, 2005 Author Share Posted February 22, 2005 SVXs were available from 92-95 in either FWD or AWD - with only the upscale LSi getting the AWD during those model years. From 96 on, all Subarus in the USDM were AWD including the SVX. So that front wheel burnout is from CD's friend's 94 FWD SVX. SBT Correct. However, the fwd SVXs were only offered in the '94-'95 model years. So all '92-'93 and '96-'97 SVXs are awd. In the '94-'95 models, like you mentioned, the 'upscale' LSi model got awd, while the 'SVX on a budget' L/LS model got fwd. -CD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rallispec Posted February 22, 2005 Share Posted February 22, 2005 what happens when you roll down the windows in the SVX? does just the part under that plastic trim go down? i've always wondered this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chiketkd Posted February 22, 2005 Author Share Posted February 22, 2005 what happens when you roll down the windows in the SVX? does just the part under that plastic trim go down? i've always wondered this. Only the lower glass rolls down. Here's a pic of my car on the dyno - they have a wire running into the cabin through my passenger window: http://www.subaru-svx.net/photos/files/Chiketkd/23159.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
c-lo Posted February 22, 2005 Share Posted February 22, 2005 Very well taken care of car. When you have a chance can you post pics of the interior? Also, when it gets closer, can you post info about the event in March in Hagerstown? I live close to that area. 258k miles - Stock engine/minor suspension upgrades/original shocks/rear struts replaced at 222k/4 passenger side wheel bearings/3 clutches/1 radiator/3 turbos Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PGT Posted February 22, 2005 Share Posted February 22, 2005 Nice car! I have always been a fan of these cars. I almost bought a red AWD version like yours used from a dealer here in Fairfax. Love the suede. I ran across a guy a few years back that had a white one with a ton of mods up here in NoVa (we did the audio install for him). IIRC, he had a turbo kit and swapped out the 4EAT for a 5sp. IMHO, if Subaru offered a manual for the car in the US, it would have sold much better. It is a capable handler, but got spanked by others in the price range due to the auto trans. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John M Posted February 22, 2005 Share Posted February 22, 2005 And it would have been in the Supra/300ZX/3000GT/Stealth class if they had made a twin turbo 6. The body is awesome and it was sooooo close to being another "affordable exotic". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chiketkd Posted February 23, 2005 Author Share Posted February 23, 2005 Very well taken care of car. When you have a chance can you post pics of the interior? Also, when it gets closer, can you post info about the event in March in Hagerstown? I live close to that area. Thanks. I haven't taken many interior pics of my car as I haven't changed or upgraded anything. My car has the standard grey cloth seats and matching panel trim. I've attached two pics - one showing the upgraded leather interior in the LSi model and the other showing the base cloth interior in my car... The Drag Meet is on Sunday, March 6th at Mason-Dixon Dragway in Hagerstown, MD. This is the link discussing the meet on the svx forum (I go by the same screen name): http://www.subaru-svx.net/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=24095 If you can join us, that'll be great! I'll be sure to introduce you to everyone. -CD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chiketkd Posted February 23, 2005 Author Share Posted February 23, 2005 A few pics of my car at the track: http://www.subaru-svx.net/photos/files/Chiketkd/22565.jpg http://www.subaru-svx.net/photos/files/Chiketkd/20958.jpg -CD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xaqtly Posted February 23, 2005 Share Posted February 23, 2005 Two words: TUR BO Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chiketkd Posted February 23, 2005 Author Share Posted February 23, 2005 Two words: TUR BO Hence the *switch* to a 5MT 2.5 LGT... -CD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chiketkd Posted February 26, 2005 Author Share Posted February 26, 2005 Also, when it gets closer, can you post info about the event in March in Hagerstown? I live close to that area. C-Lo, it looks like we need to re-schedule the meet to Sunday March 13th due to the weather forecast. I'll send you a PM as well. -CD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GTSpeed Posted February 26, 2005 Share Posted February 26, 2005 For those wondering about the specs on a stock SVX. Engine output from the 3.3L EG33 engine is 230hp & 228 ft-lbs. However, as the only factory transmission was the 4EAT, this coupled with the awd system and tall stock gearing doesn't make it the greatest drag racer (i.e lots of parasitic loss in the drivetrain). Here's a clip of my buddy's '94 fwd SVX after getting some exhaust work done: http://www.citationmmp.com/gallery5.html -CD That burnout was intense...How come only the front wheel(s?) were smoking...Isn't that thing AWD? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SBT Posted February 26, 2005 Share Posted February 26, 2005 That burnout was intense...How come only the front wheel(s?) were smoking...Isn't that thing AWD? See posts #9 and #10. Some SVXs were FWD only. SBT - Pro amore Dei et patriam et populum - Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chiketkd Posted February 26, 2005 Author Share Posted February 26, 2005 That burnout was intense...How come only the front wheel(s?) were smoking...Isn't that thing AWD? I love your avatar! -CD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xaqtly Posted February 26, 2005 Share Posted February 26, 2005 Hence the *switch* to a 5MT 2.5 LGT... No no... TURBO, as in "Put a TURBO system on that SVX". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chiketkd Posted February 27, 2005 Author Share Posted February 27, 2005 No no... TURBO, as in "Put a TURBO system on that SVX". I've thought about it, but the cost would exceed the $6K I paid for the car and wouldn't make any sense. Besides, very few turbo kits work as well as smoothly as the ones that come installed from the factory. I'll have no regrets when I make the switch... -CD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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